LASG Reaffirms Commitment To Youth Creativity, Talent Development, Creative Arts At Grand Finale of EKO Schools Arts, Crafts 2.0

Yomi Durojaye

The Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to nurturing young creative talents and strengthening the State’s creative economy through sustained investment in arts education, skills development, mentorship, and talent discovery.

The Chairman, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Bonu Solomon made the affirmation at the Grand Finale and Prize Presentation Ceremony of the Eko Schools Arts and Crafts Competition 2.0 held at the Adeyemi-Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, on Tuesday, 23rd June 2026.

Bonu described the competition as a strategic platform for young people to showcase talent and creativity. “Initiatives like this empower students and prepare them to become future leaders and contributors to Lagos State’s socio-economic development,” he said.

According to him, “The future of Lagos begins with you. This platform is designed to equip, inspire, and encourage students to harness their talents, develop their creative abilities, and contribute meaningfully to our State’s growth.”

He commended the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for sustaining the initiative and for providing a consistent platform to discover and nurture emerging creative talents.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs. Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, who represented the Lagos State Head of Service, Mr. Bode Shuaib Agoro, described the competition as an outstanding showcase of talent, creativity, and innovation. He said the initiative gives young people a platform to display artistic ability, gain recognition, and build confidence in their creative potential.

Mr. Agoro applauded the organisers for creating opportunities for self-expression through the arts, noting that such programmes complement the State Government’s drive to promote holistic education and talent development. He urged participants to remain focused on skill development and excellence, and wished them success in their future careers.

Giving a background into the competition, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismail said the competition, which is in its second edition, recorded 489 registered students while only 132 applicants submitted entries from schools across Lagos State’s five divisions and from tertiary institutions.

She noted that students competed in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Beadwork, Textile Design, Leatherwork, Digital Art, and Upcycling. After rigorous assessment by an independent panel of judges, outstanding entries were shortlisted and honoured at the finale.

She advised the students to develop a passion for the arts beyond the competition, saying that arts and crafts are lucrative and can position them for greater opportunities later in life.

Dignitaries present in attendance included Tutor-Generals/Permanent Secretaries, Lagos State Education District IV, Mr. Olufemi Bamidele Paseda;  Lagos State Education District II, Mr. Omotayo Layemo Sanni; Education Lagos State District I, Dr. (Mrs.) Idowu Olufunke Oyetola, Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Office of Transformation, Creativity and Innovation, Mrs. Toyin Anjous-Ademuyiwa, representative of the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Tertiary Education, Mrs. Olubunmi Ibidapo-Obe and a renowned medical doctor, artist, and member of the judging panel, Mr. Fola David

  

Management and Members of staff of the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, government officials, legislators, school administrators, principals, teachers, parents, development partners, media representatives, and students from various institutions across Lagos also attended.

The ceremony concluded with the presentation of prizes, certificates, and recognition awards to outstanding participants whose works demonstrated creativity, innovation, and artistic excellence. The event reinforced Lagos State’s commitment to grooming the next generation of creative talents.

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Students Dazzle At "This Is Lagos" Eko Schools Art & Craft Competition 2.0 As Nine Winners Get Scholarships

 Yomi Durojaye 

Students from Lagos State Secondary Schools and Tertiary Institutions across all Education Districts and Lagos yesterday dazzelled and amazed participants at the Grand Finale of 2nd Edition of Eko Schools Art & Craft Competition 2.0, themed: "This Is Lagos".

Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila, Winner From Tertiary Institution and Chairman, House Committee on Tourism, Hon. Solomon Bonu

The event which held yesterday at the Adeyemi Bero Auditorium, Alausa Secretariat, Ikeja, Lagos through the Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture.

It was learnt that the competition provides a platform for young artists and creatives to showcase their talents through various artistic expressions. 

Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila said that she was delighted with the overwhelming response of students at this year’s competition. 

"A total of 489 participants registered, while 132 registered participants  submitted entries for competition from schools across the five divisions of Lagos State, as well as some tertiary institutions. The competition featured diverse categories, including Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Beadwork, Textile Design, Leatherwork, Digital Art, and Upcycling".

"Every artwork tells a unique story of imagination, dedication, hard work, and passion. To every student who picked up a brush, moulded clay, designed a textile, created digital art, or transformed waste into beauty, I congratulate you. You are all winners. (Please let us applaud the all)

"This year’s theme: “THIS IS LAGOS” challenged participants to creatively interpret the identity, heritage, resilience, innovation, and diversity of our great State. The artworks on display today beautifully capture the essence of Lagos, its rich cultural heritage, vibrant communities, entrepreneurial spirit, and commitment to sustainability.

"These outstanding creations demonstrate that our young minds not only appreciate our cultural values, but also possess the creativity and vision needed to shape a brighter future.

Mrs. Bopo thanked The Lagos State Government administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his continue to support for arts education, skills development, mentorship programmes, and platforms that encourage youth creativity and expression. She also acknowledged the beautiful idea of the former SSA to the Governor, Hon. Damilola Ayinde Marsha for the birth of such initiative. "We remain committed to partnering with educational institutions, industry professionals, and the private sector to ensure that young talents are given every opportunity to succeed".

Also speaking at the event, the Lagos State House of Assembly Chairman on Tourism, Art and Culture, Hon. Solomon Bonus, said the competition was a very big opportunity for students in Lagos to showcase their God's given talents.

Hon. Bonu while appreciating the quality of Art of student, He said that "what you create is not small,  it's not just a mere fit. It is something to be proud of. And this is your creation that brought all this about. Like one of the speakers said earlier, we will not be here without the students, so I want you all to clap for yourselves. 

"You have done very, very well. If I become a child again, I want to be in your position, because when I grew up, I was not given this kind of opportunity. It's a very huge opportunity, and I looked at what every single person here created, and I want to say that you are all amazing artists. You are geniuses, and creating such at your age, it means that there's so much more to look for, especially with Lagos State, because having that level of creativity and also having an avenue to showcase it is something to be very proud of".

To the winners that were chosen here today, and to everyone that submitted their crewtives, "I want to say, congratulations to you. Because there's something I say as an artist, if you do not showcase your work, then you've not started. You can be a great artist and create and put it in your, your bedroom, or put it in your cupboard, and you're the only one that will know what you're doing and be keeping it there. You can't even access yourself".

At the end, Nine student ermerged as winners at this year competition and were granted Government Scholarship with other state recognition. 

See below the list of winners at the  2026 Eko Schools Art & Craft Competition 2.0

TERTIARY

1. Goodness Popoola 400Level Lagos State University of Education 

2. Abdul Rahman Saheed 300Level  Lagos State University of Science & Technology

3. Boton Aina Samuel 400Level Lagos State University of Education

SENIOR SECONDARY 

1. Ajayi Pascal Maugbe SS 2 Methodist Senior High School

2. Makinde Opeyemi Abraham SS 2 Millenium Senior Secondary School

3. Akinola Oluwatobi SS 2 Sanngo Senior Secondary School

JUNIOR SECONDARY 

1. Mufutau Aishat Opeyemi JSS 2 Clegg Girls Junior High School

2. Orungbamila Oluwalonimi Esther JSS 1 Ikotun Junior High School

3. Saheed Khadijat Remilekun JSS 3 Community Junior Grammar School, Akowonjo

LAGOS TOURISM CHARGES STAFF, AGENCIES ON COMMITMENT, TEAMWORK

 Yomi Durojaye 

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mrs. Bopo Oyekan-Ismaila has charged members of the Ministry’s Management and its agencies to recommit themselves to their statutory mandates and demonstrate greater dedication to duty in the year 2026.

Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila gave the charge during the inaugural meeting in 2026 for the management of the Ministry with its agencies: Lagos State Council for Arts and Culture and the Lagos State Film and Video Censors Board, held on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, at the Ministry’s Conference Room.

The Permanent Secretary emphasised the need for management staff to be proactive, disciplined, and fully aligned with the Ministry’s vision and the policy direction of the State Government.

“Everyone must be fully aware of their mandate to the Ministry. We must key into the vision of the leadership and the Ministry in order to promote the vibrancy and relevance of the Ministry and the Lagos State Government,” she said.

She further stressed the importance of a positive attitude to work, collaboration, and teamwork, noting that unity of purpose was essential for effective service delivery.

“Our attitude to work and our ability to work as a team will ensure that we are all on the same page and able to achieve our collective goals,” Mrs. Oyekan-Ismaila added.

The Permanent Secretary also encouraged management staff to remain focused on their respective departmental and unit responsibilities, uphold integrity, demonstrate the fear of God, and embrace continuous self-rebranding in line with modern public service standards.

At the meeting, members of the management team also made contributions and shared views on their duties, work schedules, and strategies for improved performance in the new year.

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